Her hits, including Baby One More Time and Toxic, are being blasted from super tankers off the east coast of Africa.

Experts say Britney’s songs have been chosen because “pirates hate them the most” and stay away.

Rachel Owens, 34, a merchant navy officer, said: “Britney Spears is the best way of keeping them away. These guys can’t stand Western culture or music, making Britney’s hits just perfect.”

Britney's songs are the most used by various security companies [LARRY BUSACCA/GETTY IMAGES]

“These guys can’t stand Western culture or music, making Britney’s hits just perfect”

Rachel Owens

In 2011, there were 176 attacks on ships off the Horn of Africa.

Hollywood star Tom Hanks, 57, is starring in hit movie Captain Phillips, which is about Richard Phillips, also 57, held captive after his ship was hijacked in 2009.

Steven Jones, of the Security Association for the Maritime Industry, joked: “I’d imagine using Justin Bieber would be against the Geneva Convention. Pirates will go to any lengths to avoid or try to overcome the music, even using earplugs.”

Justin Bieber's music could play a part in ending the war on terror [NICKY LOH/GETTY IMAGES]

A spokesman for the British Association Of Private Security Com­panies added: “Playing loud pop songs has been proven as one of the most effective ways of fending off attackers.